Embrace the Space of Grasslands National Park

Published on
March 24, 2017

There’s a light summer breeze, the air is filled with the smell of the recent rain that just passed by, and a coyote howls in the distance. This is a signature moment in Grasslands National Park, where you immerse yourself in the wide-open spaces and experience the sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Grasslands is divided into two unique areas. The West Block is home to the Frenchman River Valley, which is filled with a variety of wildlife including black-tailed prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, burrowing owls, coyotes, sage grouse, antelope, deer and much more. The main attraction is a herd of free-roaming bison. On a drive down the Eco-Tour Road you will see many of these species in their natural habitat.

The East Block tells a different story. Here you can go back in time to search for dinosaur fossils hidden in the hoodoos and badlands that stretch across this part of the park. Ancient tipi rings and amazing biodiversity add to the rich history of this part of Saskatchewan. If you're the adventurous type, grab your backpack and get a closer look by hiking the Valley of 1,000 Devils.

Grasslands National Park also offers unforgettable backcountry camping experiences. You can set up your tent anywhere, as long as you are at least 1km from a road. The darkest Dark Sky Preserve in Canada is found at Grasslands. Sleeping under the stars is the best way to take in the unending beauty of the sky. Be sure to take in the magnificence of this “Land of Living Skies”: watch a thunderstorm roll by, or a spectacular sunrise/sunset. There’s something special about experiencing the prairies as they were hundreds and thousands of years ago.